I entered 2009 thinking I might reduce my couponing efforts, but going over budget early on made me rethink that idea. With the start of March I decided to make a more concerted effort to stick to our grocery allowance. I made a thorough meal plan based on the sales, got cash for groceries instead of relying on paying with plastic, and put in the time for coupon matching. And it has paid off. The first week of March resulted in this huge load of food.

And this week’s shopping trip(pictured above) reinforced my belief/hope that we can make ends meet, even living in Southern California.

This week’s total was $107.00, so I’m reducing next week’s shopping accordingly in order to stay on track with our $100/wk budget. Here’s how this week broke down:

Comments

Hey, I live in S. CA, too. Where do you shop?? I like Smart & Final and Trader Joe's for good deals (though I don't think Trader Joe's does sales.) I am terrible about food budgets… I also shop at a couple of natural food stores since I cook vegetarian food.

This trip was from Ralphs, Vons, and Sprouts (like Henry’s or Wild Oats). I also go to TJ’s, Henry’s, Costco, and Albertsons. It just depends on who has the best sales. I buy exclusively the stuff on sale and as little of non-sale stuff as possible.

I try to be healthy. I never buy cup o’soups, but for a buck, I figured that they might go nice in an emergency kit or for donating. Cooking from scratch is generally what helps us stay on track.

If I stay away from TJ and Costco, I can usually stay on budget. They have way too much “fun food.”

I am in N. California. Good job! Keep it up. Saving money is worth it. Plus, look at all the food you got. All the meals you can make will cost much less now. Kuddos to all the work you put into this post too.

Well, I am not living in CA, however I use to live in CT–land of double couponing. When I moved back home to WV…the land of no doubling..I gave up couponing until I found Moneysavingmom. There are still times I get burned out on couponing. However, I really do save when I do it. It is just sticking to it.

I like having my cash..I am more determined to come in under budget if it means saving some dough in my hand for more personal fun spending!

Fantastic job! I am very impressed. My family and several friends all live in CT and the Boston area (also notoriously expensive parts of the country) and your trip is definitely a great inspiration. I’ll pass on the link!

ooooooo yeah I’m so glad I found your blog :). I also live in Southern Calif and I am just starting with couponing. My husband is retiring from teaching in June and I’m working on cutting our expenses down where I can. I use to coupon years ago but got lazy. I can’t believe how much food you got tooo.

I’m so glad I found you through Money Saving Mom. I’ve been trying to get the scoop on the best grocery stores to shop in So Cal. Many bloggers seems to be in mid-west so their deals and/or stores are not local. Could you give an outline of what you do to coupon-wise and research-wise to strategize your weekly shopping plan? You are an inspiration. Thank you.

Welcome to Life as MOM! I'm FishMama, chief cook and bottle washer around here. I have six kids under 18, and I've lived to tell the tale. Want to know how to make the most out of what you have where you are? You've come to the right place.

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